4770 Ohio Ave S
Ste B
Seattle, WA 98134
info@paxsonfay.com
Inside a Cozy, Secluded Cabin in Washington That Blends Rustic and Modern So Well
It was built to showcase the surrounding beautiful nature.
An outdoorsman and native plant enthusiast dreamed of a home on his Methow Valley, Washington, property that was both modest and comfortable, and reflective of valley cabins and farmsteads. So, he tasked Ian Butcher, AIA, founder partner of Best Practice Architecture, and team with achieving that goal.
Methow Valley—which is hot and dry in the summer and gets over 70 inches of snow on average in the winter—was familiar to the homeowner, who spent time there during childhood ski and camping trips, and who has family who live in the area. His other requirement was a house that was “light on the land,” but could accommodate visiting friends and family.
“I wanted both the design and scale of the new buildings to reflect traditional ranch homes and cabins in the remote river valley with all the creature comforts of modern living,” said the homeowner. “Ensuring a strong connection to the outside throughout the seasons was a primary goal. Windows on all sides and three exterior doors allow me to track the many species of birds and wildlife that move through the property and access the ever-changing light and weather.”
Ian and team focused most of the design work on floor plans, as the home was going to be all one level and space needed to optimized. “He knew generally how he wanted the spaces organized and in what part of the plan he wanted them based on views and solar access,” Ian says of the homeowner. “We took this essential organization and honed the proportions and circulation to make a tight layout, then figured out a simple series of intersecting gables roofs for the enclosure.”
The main house is just one bedroom, since the homeowner didn’t like the idea of empty bedrooms. He spent a lot of time camping on the property to find out where the best views and sun exposure would be in the future home, so Ian and team took his distinct vision for the layout and room organization and worked their architecture magic on it.
“We worked to make the layout as efficient as possible to keep the scale down and avoid any wasteful hallways,” Ian says. “We also wanted to provide as much storage as possible without the use of a bunch of awkward closets.”
Inside, design details include painted beadboard and warm woods. For functional living, there is a good-sized kitchen, ample built-in cabinetry, and an open nook that could be used for lounging in the daytime and an overnight guest sleeping space in the nighttime.
“Given our client’s reverence for vernacular cabins, the exterior is fairly traditional, yet on the interior, we simplified the detailing to be mostly modern but with a nod towards a rustic cabin aesthetic,” Ian says. “We felt like the views out of the rooms were so amazing that the interiors should be kept fairly simple to not compete with the surroundings.”
The second structure on the property is a carport, which was originally supposed to just provide cover for the car and a place to store recreation gear. The design evolved to include a guest bedroom, powder room, and small office.
“We planned to make this structure seem like a background to the main house,” explains Ian. “The low-slung shed roof doesn’t draw any attention from the house but helps frame the view of the house from the driveway. We mimicked the finishes of the main house but intentionally kept the overall form reasonably utilitarian.”
The exterior finishes and details had that cabin and farmstead look that the homeowner wanted, but were modernized. The team installed metal roofing, siding, and a gravel skirt to reduce wildfire risk.
The two structures are exactly what the homeowner was envisioning with a small footprint, views of the stunning surroundings, and modern comforts. “It’s probably the best place I’ve ever lived,” says the homeowner.
meet the team
We’re inspired by diverse design perspectives, innovation, technology, art, and the world around us. We live for the chance to create and disperse powerful, genuine messages that resonate.
tessa franchini
principal
tessa@paxsonfay.com
Tessa graduated from Fordham University in New York with a dual bachelor's degree in Communications and Political Science. During her time at Fordham, she worked for an interior designer and at NBC News where she developed her love for both design and communications. After graduating, Tessa managed marketing at 3form, a pioneer in the sustainable building products industry. During her tenure, 3form was repeatedly named one of the most recognized manufacturers in the design industry among architects and designers, and the company won multiple awards for its innovative product launches. After 3form, Tessa consulted on marketing efforts with leading product manufacturers in architecture and design before starting Paxson Fay with Amy.
amy golden
principal
amy@paxsonfay.com
Growing up in Seattle, Amy was always exploring the great outdoors but she found a particular thrill in traveling. During a visit to New York City at age 10, she knew that was where she wanted to live. After high school she left her home in the Pacific Northwest behind for the great unknown to attend Fordham University in the Bronx. Upon graduation, Amy received a phone call from CNN offering a job opportunity of a lifetime working in television ad sales at Manhattan's Time Warner Center. When a job opportunity in Los Angeles opened up a few years later, Amy couldn't say no to a new adventure back on the west coast. But Seattle eventually called her back home and Amy returned to pursue a Master's degree in Business Administration with the hopes of learning the skills she needed to feed her entrepreneurial spirit. Before graduating, Amy co-founded Paxson Fay with Tessa Andrews in 2015. Amy focuses on marketing strategy, public relations, social media, and partnerships.
colby wood
senior account executive
colby@paxsonfay.com
After graduating from Fordham University in New York City with a major in Communications and Media Studies and a handful of marketing and PR internships, Colby moved to Boston to manage marketing for a small, women-owned, creative consulting agency. While in that role, Colby managed public relations and marketing efforts for some of Boston's most prominent events and public art initiatives, including the Boston Pickle Fair and The Bulfinch Crossing Projections in downtown Boston. Colby gained experience crafting brand stories and identities through social media marketing and creative copywriting, seen through the successful launch of a premier Massachusetts adult-use dispensary and the revamp of her agency's own website. After two years, Colby decided it was time to figure out what the West Coast was all about. Looking to blend her marketing experience with her passion for design and architecture, Colby found Paxson Fay, where she focuses on social media strategy and management and public relations.
paige childs
communication specialist
paige@paxsonfay.com
As a child, Paige wanted to be an architect; but after falling in love with storytelling, the power of words, and yes, the show West Wing, she decided to pursue journalism at The George Washington University in the nation’s capital. Following graduation, Paige crafted communications for the beauty and banking industries. Craving space for creativity, she joined the small team that would reopen the congressionally designated National Children’s Museum. There, she played an integral role in establishing the museum’s brand, bringing it to life across digital channels, including social media, email, and advertising. After nearly eight years in DC, she decided it was time for a change of scenery. Having grown fond of the title Washingtonian, she made the cross-country move to Washington State. She landed in Seattle at Paxson Fay, where in true full circle fashion she is the architect of social media and public relations strategies for our architecture and design clients.
zoe mcphail
senior communications coordinator
zoe@paxsonfay.com
From San Francisco, California, Zoe moved to Seattle, Washington to pursue her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington. She graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree in Economics and Political Science. Shortly after graduation from UW, Zoe hopped across the pond to pursue her Master of Science in Urban Economics and Real Estate Finance at the London School of Economics. Focusing on Sustainable Development, she found herself drawn to adaptive reuse and preservation projects in the world of architecture and design. Building on prior marketing and social media experience, Zoe returned to the PNW in July of 2023 to work on social media strategy and content creation for clients at Paxson Fay.
martina povolo
communications assistant
martina@paxsonfay.com
Martina joined the Paxson Fay team as an intern when she was a senior at the University of Washington. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Public Interest Communications, Martina is now continuing with the team as a Communications Assistant. During her time at UW, Martina worked as the Special Sections Editor at the university’s newspapers where she won multiple awards for her front page spreads. Looking to blend her minors in real estate and environmental science with her focus in communications, Martina is passionate and excited to join the Paxson Fay team.
tara lyons
communications assistant
tara@paxsonfay.com
With roots in Napa and Denver, Tara ventured to the Pacific Northwest to pursue her academic journey at the University of Washington, where she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Communication and Education. Tara's love for writing began when she delved into songwriting, building on her pre-existing passion for singing and playing the piano. Following her undergraduate years, she returned to Paxson Fay, where she had previously interned, transitioning into the role of Communications Assistant. With a keen interest in PR and social media, Tara seamlessly integrates her creative flair into the professional realm. Outside of work, you'll find Tara passionately supporting the Kraken, embodying her love for both storytelling and sports.
We are hiring for our internship program! We are looking for an intern with a passion for design to help manage key communication channels. Click here to read more.
We are seeking a highly skilled and creative Digital Marketing Specialist to join our growing team. This role is ideal for someone with a deep understanding of social media strategy, content development, algorithm trends, and strong knowledge of paid social and digital marketing best practices. Bonus points for graphic design skills to strengthen our clients' social media presence with dynamic, eye-catching content. Click here to read more.
what we do
We are a communications firm founded in our passion for good design. Our unique approach to marketing and public relations in the architecture and design community has elevated our clients work to the next level. We’re backed by a talented community of creatives. From copywriters to social media experts, we provide a complete package of customized services. We strive to create a personal experience with each client, integrating teams and tackling your biggest marketing and public relations challenges from a high level. Then we help execute those plans ensuring lots of reporting along the way, with lots of coffee breaks in between because we’re from Seattle and that’s what we do.
marketing
marketing strategy
brand strategy
project management
partnerships acquisition and management
e-mail blasts
public relations
media strategy
content production
media communications and outreach
awards: strategy, content development and submissions
social
platform strategy and management
content production
targeted campaigns
results + reporting
advertising
advertising strategy
budget strategy + negotiation
calendar management
creative coordination
content
storytelling
copywriting
website and e-mail marketing
video: sourcing, storyboarding and scheduling
photography acquisition + curation
events
event management
sponsorships + partnerships
tradeshow coordination
press tours
clients
Here is a little taste of who we love to work with and what we love to do.